Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Curls.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My music career began shortly after my sports career ended my senior year of high school. Upon enrolling at Howard University, I was really forced to face myself and who I wanted to be, seeing that initially I was alone on a campus that was so far from LA. I found I was best able to express myself and even find myself through writing and composing music. I had grown up singing in the church, attending performing arts camps and taking piano lessons in my free time, but my freshman year of college was where I began my songwriting.
I stayed up countless nights, spent hours of deliberate writing and isolation trying to figure out what I wanted my sound and songs to be. After putting my single ‘3 A.m.’ out on SoundCloud, it opened a door to performance opportunities in the DMV area and beyond to showcase my unreleased songs and help work on various projects. Some of those performances include the 2019 BET Awards, the American Music Awards, the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s MLK Day celebration, the New Orleans Jazz Market, Twins Jazz and Velvet Lounge DC, and numerous other private events. Those shows really helped me develop a stage presence, helped build my sound and confidence, and it really helped me connect with many other musicians and creatives to work on future projects.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
While music has definitely been an outlet, being a self-managing female artist in big cities like LA and DC has also brought a level of its own struggles and even dangers. Outside of the inevitable hard work-no sleep combo artistry already beholds, the periods of seemingly endless writers block, problems with crowdfunding and commuting to rehearsals and shows, I was not expecting to encounter as many pernicious and opportunistic individuals as I have, especially so soon. It has caused my trust and comfort levels to drop since I’ve begun making music, but if anything it has emphasized the importance of being more selective with who you work with. However, any setbacks have doubled over to make me stronger and more laser-focused in my path. Also understanding that this is all a journey, and this is only the beginning.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
First and foremost, I am a singer, but I am also a lyricist, model, creative designer and director, and soon to be fashion line co-owner, amongst a few other things.
The songs I create are aimed to entertain and provoke thought. They’re meant to inspire and maybe even relate to the listener. The soulful sounds and diction I invoke, as well as my experience in jazz, classical, gospel, and r&b music allows a unique sound for audiences. I draw a lot of my inspiration from legends like Lauryn Hill, Aretha Franklin, Beyonce, Jazmyn Sullivan, Stevie Knicks, Prince, Ella Fitzgerald, and many many more. Upon listening to me perform many have said I sound like a few of them, which definitely fuels me to keep going.
I’m probably most proud of this newly found unbreakable spirit within myself. I feel freedom in opening myself, and my music, and artistry to the world that I for so felt I needed to hide. However, prior experiences have allowed me to realize there are far worse things than someone not liking what you have to say or the note you had to sing. Music has really helped me understand how to use my voice to get my point across better than anything else could. It feels empowering in a way.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I couldn’t have pushed through a lot of the mental struggles and roadblocks without the support of my family and friends, and the very supportive few professors and students of Howard University’s fine arts department. They really helped inspire me every single day to finally but wholeheartedly tap into my creative side again. They also helped push me to keep going with the challenges and prioritizing that comes with being a self-managing artist, music major, club(s) leader, all while gigging.
Contact Info:
- Phone: (213)369-4353
- Email: jcurls77@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordancurls/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jordan.curls
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jordan_curls
- Other: https://www.canva.com/design/DADzn0FD3Y0/oF1GvKDQC8IirF7c4QOYAg/view?utm_content=DADzn0FD3Y0&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=homepage_design_menu
Image Credit:
@eli100k_productions, @isaiaheverettphotography, @ktclarity
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